I'm in trouble here

My rating is about 400 or so. So low that I can't even find anyone to play anymore.

I understand chess very well but I just can't seem to apply the tactics that I've learned. Help!

Play longer time controls. Or go for the record- Lenny is rumored to have reached zero, see if you can beat that!

I made some comments in this thread that you might find useful:

http://www.chess.com/forum/view/suggestions/advice-for-chess-beginners

Tactics trainer could help you out.

Also, go through games after you play them and see if you can find ways you coul have done better. Eventually, you will start seeing those things while playing!

Just noticed that your rating is for Blitz. Blitz isn't the best way to learn chess. Play slow games instead.

I should say that it's a terrible idea to play Blitz if you haven't a clue how to play the game, this should have been obvious to you.

Got it. I rarely have time to play longer games though, so what do I do?

Remain awful?

We are talking generally of 15-min standard games, it's not necessary to play a 2-hour tournament-style game.

You could also try correspondence/turn-based/online/whatever-the-hell-it's-called chess.

Try "online chess".  You can take anywhere from one day to fourteen days to make a move, depending on the time controls you choose.  It's perfect for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to spend playing the game.  Just be sure you get back to your computer before your time runs out.

Thanks everyone for all the help. I really appreciate it. I hope that I'll be working on improving more.

Only casually. I've never done well at chess clubs and such because they only seem to just review the basic rules.

Hmm...

Are you actually meaning something ?

"I understand mathematics very well, I just can't seem to be able to make a substraction..."

I'm saying that even though I know the basic rules, and a few tactics, I never am able to use them in a game. I am always blocked off, surrounded, etc., preventing me from using my better moves.

Your comments confirm my fear. You'e over-theorizing it.

There is no better move that you cannot play. By definition, a "best move" must be playable. If for whatever reason, it leads to a loss, it is a bad move.

So... Keep playing, without trying to show your knowledge, even playing random moves if you have no clue about what is going on. And learn. The hard way, but anyone that got over 1400 got it like this.